Francine Mary Kilgannon

   Francine Mary Kilgannon passed away peacefully on April 28th, 2023, at the age of 70 years. Francine was born into the family of James and Marie (Olsen) Kilgannon as the youngest of 6 daughters on June 10th, 1952. As the baby of the family, she would become very close with her soon to be born nieces and nephews. She was an amazing aunt and granted sister status by those closest in age to her. Being the youngest, she avoided most childhood illnesses until her nieces and nephews came along. As they began to face childhood illnesses, so did she. Often missing a few university exams when she came home for the holidays. It was during these times where she would join in on the fun of mumps and measles isolation/playtime. All her nieces and nephews were always warmly welcomed into her home. As they became young adults, they would often stop in for visits or short stays. Francine also travelled with several relatives to locations all around the world. Francine’s love of animals was strong from childhood on, and she cherished and cared for many beloved pets over the course of her lifetime.

   Francine was known as "Francie" by her friends and affectionately known as "Auntie Fuzzy" or just plain “Fuzzy" by her numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Francine loved children and spent much time playing, hiking the Miner’s Path to swim under the waterfall, reading and learning along-side them. As such, she pursued a profession in teaching at Horace Allen Elementary School upon graduation from the University of Calgary. Francine moved on to work at Westar mining for many years in the accounts payable department. When this company ceased to exist, Francine took it in stride and became a community reporter for the Pass Herald. While employed there she could be seen moving from community event to community event. Not only as a reporter but most times as a volunteer as well. Francine would go on to work for the Crowsnest Community Support Society in many capacities. She brightened the lives of many and touched the lives of her clients in numerous small and large ways. She really enjoyed working at the Frank Slide as an interpreter and ran many of the overnight group sleepovers during this time. Her volunteerism within the Crowsnest Pass was a passion and Francine could often be seen driving around town in her Blazer heading to the curling club, a rodeo event, numerous community events or the baseball diamond to watch her nieces and nephews. She was a member of the Holy Spirit Church Preservation Society and Godmother to many lucky children. Francine volunteered many hours towards the Crowsnest Museum located in Coleman, the Downtown Rehabilitation Society and Family Curling at the Crowsnest Curling Club. These are just a few of her volunteer efforts, but there were so many more that she took an active role in and was involved with.

   A hug from her was always given with all her heart and she never forgot or missed the chance to celebrate birthdays, holidays or special events with loved ones and friends. Above all, Francine valued her family relationships, friendships, and fur babies. If you were lucky enough to be called a friend - it was for life.

   Francine’s love for adventure and sunshine took her many places in Canada and abroad with family and friends. In her younger years, her travel partner was her special childhood friend from across the street Connie (Lant) Lindgren. Wow, did they travel; Hawaii and Tahiti just to name two places. When not out of the country they could be found during the summer travelling to Surveyors Lake, usually with a niece or nephew in tow to share in the sunny adventures. Francine took many trips up north to Whitehorse and Yellowknife just for fun or to join in family celebrations being held. Even travelling as far as England, Ireland, Scotland, and Brazil with family and connect with family relations who lived abroad. She was always up for a fun adventure and enjoyed the odd horseback journey with her nephew in and around the Pass.

   Francine is survived by her sisters, Patricia (Alf) Thompson, Mikki Brown, Sharon (Jack) Turner; her brother-in-law Dave Hill; nieces and nephews, Thelma (Reese) Hartman, Patrice (Keith) Streeter, Danny (Shelley) Thompson, Marty Thompson, Tina (Richard) Wyatt, Chris (Diana) Hill, Craig (Anita) Hill, Connie Hill, Shannon Berg (Joe Thomas), Jim (Sonia) Sandgathe, Jerry (Janice) Sandgathe, Maureen (Dave) Williams, Dennis (Tracey) Sandgathe, Terry (Sue) Sandgathe, Mark (Tara) Brown, Laurie (Clive) Betts, Chad Turner, Julie (Alan Patjas) Turner, Dean Turner, Karen (Ryan) Moore and Brad (Wendy) Turner; as well as numerous great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, James and Marie Kilgannon; sisters, June Sandgathe and Kathleen “Kathy” Hill; brothers-in-law, Jack Sandgathe and William “Bill” Brown; niece, Tara Sandgathe; niece-in-law, Lesa Thompson; dear friend, Connie Lindgren; along with the many dogs and cats that were known lovingly as her fur babies. Francine was helped by many lifelong friends over the course of her lifetime and cherished connections with Denise Aiello, Carol Poelt, Jane-Ann Reimer, and Frances Jahn.

   Francine will be dearly missed at family events as the official photographer and keeper of memories and blank filler in when others’ memories failed them.

   A Memorial Service will be held at Fantin’s Funeral Chapel (13461 - 20 Ave.,  Blairmore, AB) on Monday, May 8th, 2023 at 11:00am with Rev. Renso Castellarin presiding, followed by a light luncheon at Fantin’s. Interment following the luncheon at the Coleman Catholic Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made in Francine’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society, or to a local community group of your choice.

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555

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